I think it devalues Steem to give out that large of a vote in exchange for SCT tokens.

Based on what?

Isn't steem supposed to be a medium of exchange?

Isn't a vote essentially just a payment or donation?

If people want votes, it means they value steem. The more people who want steem, the greater the demand for steem and the greater the value becomes.

Paying for a vote is a steem purchase.

Don't you want people to buy steem?